Statistical physics and Thermodynamics I

lphy1251  2017-2018  Louvain-la-Neuve

Statistical physics and Thermodynamics I
4 credits
30.0 h + 22.5 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Goosse Hugues; Hagendorf Christian;
Language
French
Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Main themes
- Thermodynamic state of a closed system, concepts of pressure and temperature. - Macroscopic properties of ideal gases. - Internal energy and first principle of thermodynamics, application to ideal gases. - Entropy and second principle of thermodynamics, applications (including heat engines). Microscopic formula for entropy (Boltzmann). - Thermodynamic functions and potentials. Corresponding microscopic formulae (partition function, free energy). Equilibrium conditions. - Real gases Phase changes in pure substances. - Equilibrium procedures: Microcanonical and canonical distribution
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1

a. Course contribution to the LO reference framework (programme LO)

LO1: 1.1, 1.3

LO3: 3.4, 3.5, 3.6

 

b. Specific formulation of programme LOs for this course

At the end of this course, the student will be able:

1. to describe and interpret the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, in particular the first and second principles of thermodynamics.

2. to apply the basic principles of thermodynamics to simple cases, standard heat engines and examples from everyday life.

3. to interpret transformations involving mass and energy transfers through the principles of thermodynamics.

4. to connect the concepts developed in the context of thermodynamics with those tackled in other courses, in particular mechanics and chemistry.

5. to discuss the main processes associated with phase changes in pure substances.

6. to describe and apply the kinetic theory of gases, including an introduction to real gases.

7. to describe and interpret the fundamental concepts of statistical physics, in particular in the context of microcanonical and canonical distributions.

8. to find the fundamental connections in macroscopic thermodynamics by explaining the transition from the microscopic to the macroscopic level.

9. to describe the principle of maximum entropy of data

 

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
1. Introduction to basic concepts
2. Entropy, temperature, pressure
3. Energy conservation
4. Microscopic study of liquids, ideal gases and real gases
5. Transformations
6. Phase transitions in a pure substance
7. Statistical physics
Teaching methods
Lectures
Individual, supervised exercise sessions
Evaluation methods
Closed question, short or long development,written exams.
Bibliography
Georges Gonczi (2005). Comprendre la thermodynamique. Ellipses, 260pp, ISBN 2-7298-2363-8
Faculty or entity
PHYS


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Bachelor in Physics

Minor in Physics